Islanders fans celebrate start of Matthew Schaefer in grand fashion at UBS Arena NHL draft party
Mathieu Darche called the shots from the makeshift war room in the Islanders' dressing room at UBS Arena, and hundreds of fans reacted to his decisions from just a few dozen yards away.
Fans filled the floor and the lower bowl for Friday's draft party at the arena, with some current and former players making cameos among the crowd, including Mat Barzal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Casey Cizikas and Scott Mayfield.
The overwhelming sentiment from those in attendance: excitement and optimism, both with the No. 1 selection of Matthew Schaefer and the team trading Noah Dobson to Montreal for the 16th and 17th picks and Swedish fourth-liner Emil Heineman.
3 Fans of the New York Islanders react and celebrate to Matthew Schaefer being drafted first overall at their official NHL Draft Party at UBS Arena on June 26, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
NHLI via Getty Images
There was little surprise or shock from the crowd when the Islanders took Schaefer, but that didn't subdue the raucous cheers when the team officially picked the 17-year-old defenseman from Hamilton, Ontario.
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Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — After Matthew Schaefer pulled the blue-and-orange sweater over his head at the NHL draft, his eyes already glistening with tears, he glanced down at his left shoulder and saw a pink ribbon. The symbol of breast cancer awareness was the New York Islanders' tribute to his mother, Jennifer, who died of the disease just 16 months ago. The No. 1 pick kissed the ribbon and modestly pointed to the sky, paying a poignant tribute to the woman who raised this boy into the man he'll soon become — and who will accompany him on every step of his bright hockey future. The Islanders selected the gifted 17-year-old defenseman first overall Friday night, kicking off an NHL draft with a beautiful moment felt across the breadth of the sport. 'I appreciate you taking a chance on me,' Schaefer said in a video conference call with the Islanders' front office. 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